London Tri - First Olympic!

Summary:

Finish 03: 02: 03

Swim 00: 43: 02

T1 00: 04 : 37

Bike 01: 10: 03

T2 00: 02: 34

Run 01: 01: 45

To say I was nervous looking at the swim the day before was probably an understatement and it didn’t change until I actually started the swim on Sunday. My anxiety was only fuelled finding out that there were 550 people in my wave – great!

The wave was split due to there being so many people, the first group obviously the confident lot and then the rest.

Once the swim started it was better than I thought, of course it was the longest I’d swam surrounded by lots of other people and I do mean lots of other people!

Some of the important things I was trying to remember was just to break the swim down into small sections, not to kick too much and don’t worry about other people. It was a long swim but much better than my shorter swim at Dorney a few weeks previously.

Thinking I was nearing the last turn buoy coming up I actually sped up slightly, only to realise that wasn’t the right one and I still had quite a bit to do before the final stretch – schoolboy error!

Eventually got out of the water, great to see my little boy and my long suffering girlfriend cheering me on and looking pleased I’d made it.

I was so pleased to have done the swim that I almost forgot I had 2 more events to do, so I got myself together and onto the bike.

The bike was quite uneventful just tried to keep at a half sensible pace, recover from the swim and not completely wear myself out for the run. The course was alright, quite flat-ish even though I did manage to get up to nearly 60km a few times, that’s seems quite quick on a bike especially when you can hardly see because your sunglasses are full of salt from sweating. (I soon realised I should clean them off).

Once again great to see Lynn & Sid cheering me on!

Out of transition 2 slightly quicker and looking forward to the run, the easy bit, yeh right. I felt tired, which I don’t normally when running, it was hot but my run should have been at least 10-15 minutes faster. I was laughing to myself that I just couldn’t get my running together as I thought this would be the easiest part for me – welcome to tri…….

It was great finishing around the 3 hour mark but knew it could have been better, that said the biggest achievement was being able to complete the swim. I’d say that was a bigger personal goal than completing a marathon even though the marathon was more physically draining.

The event itself was very big, obviously. A little bit like going to Westfields just for a pint of milk, next time a smaller maybe more picturesque event please.

Thanks for everyone’s advice and kind words, I look forward to many more events!

Sprint Tri at Dorney Lake - Eton School.

Summary

Sprint: 750 Swim 21:46 (seemed like 2 hours)

T1 1:38

20k Bike 41:11

T2 0:49

5K Run 22ish

Overall 1:27:34

Well the first race, I thought I’d be a little more nervous than I was but the kind words and advice really helped.

The lovely June weather was a real treat looking out of the window and seeing the rain come down sideways could only help my anxiety!

Bags and car packed, picked Lynn, my long-suffering girlfriend up from work and off to Dorney. Of course we were early, but the surroundings were fabulous and that stretch of water seemed to go on for miles…..

Registered, met lots of people and tried to soak up the atmosphere, just pleased to know that I wasn’t the only person doing this for the first time.

However, it was slightly daunting to see the odd ex Olympic athlete getting ready as well.

I thought I had loads of time, in fact I did, but messing around talking to people meant that I found myself in a rush to get my bike racked. I looked around to see what I should be doing, took Olivia’s advice and got my bearings and then got ready.

I was in the second wave at 6:30, listened to the race brief next to the water with about 50 – 60 other people and got ready to enter the water; still not overly nervous. The water was warm at 18 degrees and the horn went, we were off. I made sure I stayed at the back for my first race out of trouble.

My swim was terrible, really really terrible!!

I just couldn’t get it together, I even had thoughts about stopping but then had a strong word with myself to get on with it. I eventually dragged myself round with no rhythm at all and a combination of some freestyle and ashamed to say some breaststroke; I know I’m not a great swimmer but I’m certainly better than that – lots of work needed before July 29^th.

I wasn’t the last out but very close.

21:46 (seemed like 2 hours!)

Jelly legs into T1, I’m sure someone played a trick and moved my bike or maybe that was me. Changed and onto the bike needing to make up a bit of time, really enjoyed this section it’s the first time I’d been in that environment but the 6.00am sessions in Regents Park have definitely helped.

With the words “Spin don’t mash!” going through my mind to save my legs on the run – thanks once again Olivia!

It was 6 laps and taking me about 7 mins a lap, I knew I needed to be off the bike by 7:40. The time I was aiming for was around the 1:40 mark.

Bike 41:00

So into T2, bike racked eventually, off on the run.

Grabbed a banana, not a good idea, threw that away and had some water instead. Took the run easy for the first bit to get my legs use to the change and then enjoyed the final push knowing that I was about to complete my first event in preparation for the longer one shortly!

Run 22:00.

It was a brilliant experience and I’m so glad swimming is first, I need to work hard on this to make it to bike and run in one piece.

Coming across the line made me proud, of course, nearly being sick but smiling at the same time in 1:27 yippee!!

A new chapter, time for a new challenge - Triathlons.....

Since the marathon I've been just ticking by with the training but the biggest thing bar none is trying to swim, properly!

It's not that I can't swim and I've always been able to plod, but sometimes look like the washing machine has caught me in the spin cycle, but to be able to swim a couple of miles, slightly different gravy.

So I've been having swimming lessons for a couple of months, 'on and off' now and I'm getting better, well, not quite as much splashing.

I use to tease my dear girlfriend that swimming wasn't a real sport and you couldn't really get out of breath; how wrong could I be especially now my 10 year old boy is in a swimming club and a brilliant swimmer!!!

I've been running a couple of times a week, not far maybe 6 -8 miles at a time and an interval session, also a circuits class or 2 when I have the time; it's great to train in a group.

Now it's time to start to piece it all together. My friend Andy, the man who helped me through the marathon training has decided it's time to move back to Australia, I'm gutted!! (I know that's really selfish but I can't express what a huge influence and help he was getting me over the start and finish line of that last challenge, I will miss him) I of course wish him and Catherine all the success and happiness returning home and on the next part of their journey. Maybe one day a little run with Andy might not be out of the question in warmer climates.

Last week I planned with Andy my schedule of training for the next few months, there doesn't seem to be too many free days?!

There's going to be a tremendous amount of time juggling to balance a work, home, relationship and Sid life, the nights are getting shorter now that means there's more hours in the day, right?

Well let the games begin.......

Made it over the line, the start and finish - just!

Well I made it past the start line and then along time later, eventually past the finish line!

This was undoubtedly one of the most emotional, rewarding and exciting days of my 38 years. The ridiculous thing is that I want to do it all again! (not right now though).....

The day started with a train ride across to the start, surprisingly lots of other people on the tube - well not really over 30,000 other nutcase's doing thing same thing on a Sunday morning. Having watched the marathon on the tele for quite a few years I thought I would be overwhelmed by the size, it actually seemed smaller than I was expecting. This may be down to the fact that everyone was so friendly, the atmosphere was amazing, you could sense the nerves and excitement in equal measures, especially near the toilet blocks!

The weather wasn't too bad for the day, not quite as hot as forecast.

So, got on with the race and I had a plan. This was how it went:

From the very start people in the crowd are calling your name to encourage you, I was pleased that I had my name on my top.

It was a little daunting running in such large crowds, as I normally run on my own.

The first 5 miles just went on by as a warm up, I made sure that I was keeping to my plan nothing faster than 9:30 minute miles and making sure I was taking on good water when the stations were available; every mile.

I broke the race down into sections with certain milestones, got to 10 all good, then on to the half way stage in the time I wanted to conserve energy - 2:08, perfect timing. The next point for me to get to was mile 18, I knew at this point I would see Lynn and Sid in the City. The miles in between 13 - 18 were a little boring in some respect, I could see Canada Tower for miles then seemed to keep running around it, but I was really excited about seeing the 2 of them and I knew they would be as well. So, past the 17 mile marker really looking forward to seeing them, then through the 18 mile mark, I couldn't see anything from the Notting Hill group, no balloons, no banners or anything like that, loads and loads of supporters in this area, all shouting your name; but I was only interested in 2 voices - no good, I'd missed them!!

(I knew how disappointed and concerned they would be, at least I had something to occupy me!)

I was a little deflated for the next mile but was on good time so cracked-on. Still keeping to the time to reach my finish of under 4:25hr. Past the 19 mark and now onto 20, I knew that if I was feeling ok here I'd make it easy, well as easy as 26.2 miles is to run for the first time! I was feeling still quite strong, breathing, knees, nipples and not sunburnt - all good.

20 miles, for some reason in both calfs started to get just a slight twinge of cramp, this has never been a problem for me whilst running in all the training I've done. Had a little stretch and tried to run it off, it's bound to go soon, right?

It only got worse and worse and even worse.......what a nightmare.......I've planned for gels, water, chafing, even if I fall over......but bloody cramp!

Those last 6 miles were horrible, but there was no way that I wasn't going to finish. At mile 25 to my complete joy I saw Lynn and Sid - BRILLIANT! For them, relief and for me.....well....

Over those last miles, it was a huge mix of frustration and having to dig deep, physically I still felt alright, it was just that someone kept shooting me in both calfs. I could only run for about 5 minutes at a time.....but I made it!

My time was closer to 5 than 4:25.

Very proud, yet a little disappointed!

Ready for the next part of my journey, just haven't decided what it will be.......

That's it....nothing more I can do!

Well, the eve before all that I've trained for over the last months. There has definitely been blood, sweat, tears, emotional and physical pain, so now it should be easy, right?

On Wednesday I made my way across to the Excel centre to register, got my name printed on my vest (a little concerned that the letters might effect my performance, additional weight you see!), collected my number and chip, that's it no backing out now.

I don't know if the event was meant to suppress my anxiety or feed it, it seemed to do both in equal measures......at least there's nearly 40, 000 other people feeling the same. My only real concern is just how hot it's going to be, but there's nothing I can do about that just take on lots of fluid the day before and during.

Of course I phoned Andy on the way back, who of course, settled my nerves with some sensible advice.

I managed to get a hat, it does look like a swimming cap but that's fine it should do a job. I also bought another undervest t-shirt. Got home and went for the final run before the race, just a short half an hour across to the Heath - HOT!

The new t-shirt I'd bought seems to rub me on the stitching so I won't be wearing that one!

So on the training front, all done, nothing more I can do just keep the stretching going and get my head right for the day.

Picked Sid up from school on Friday and drove back to London, Lynn had prepared our own pasta party at home - brilliant. The most important members of my support team are back together at the crucial time, without their help I could not have got anywhere near the stage I'm at now. When I think of the times when Sid was on his bike next to me, Sherborne Hill, Regents Park (being chased by dogs!), Camden canal runs and so many more, with him helping me - "Come on Daddy!" (and quite a few times of me pushing him up the hills).

Getting home and Lynn waiting with the drinks, toast and a hot bath.....trying to get me normal again.

The messages of support from my pals and everyone who has sponsored me have been amazing, it gives me a real boost.

Today is a relaxed day at home, kit checked, just sewed a pocket into my shorts for additional gels and try and keep my feet up.....it's really boring now, I just want to get it done!

Promised not to moan about the heat.....but!!

This whole clothing thing is driving me bloody mad!

So, I have a vest delivered with the Notting Hill Housing Trust bits on the front no problems, but now it's so hot and the forecasts are indicating it's going to be hot, if I just wear a vest I'll burn....yes really that hot!!

Now I have to find something to go underneath, to keep me cool; to keep warm, I'm your man!, I have so much stuff to keep me warm it's frightening, now I need stuff to keep me cold - nightmare!!!

And another hat, yes to keep me from getting sun burnt...brilliant.

Armed with my technical undervest (breathable you know, to help with performance, I just don't want to get burnt and avoid chaffing, yes chaffing and bleeding - football seemed so much more straight forward!), I took off for my run - an hour and a half in the heat.

Route: Home, Primrose Hill, 2 laps of Regents Pk, alternate ways, Camden and home.

9 miles, 1:25, no gels and no water - Hot!

The undervest and the hat seemed to do a job and will be essential if it's anywhere near the 18 degrees it was today, and of course lots of liquid!!

Words of wisdom from Andy.....

Back to London with all of the New Forest events behind us, for a while!

To normality some would say, another way to look at it, the longer you stay in the country the more relaxed and accepting of the slowness you become.

Went for a run across the Heath on Tuesday, it does seem to be getting warmer....it was a lunchtime run for about 5 - 6 miles, good fun.

My legs felt a little heavy and was a bit tired, need to make sure I rest properly.

I needed to see Andy as the days are getting closer. I saw him on Wednesday, we just sat and talked, for the best part of an hour and a half. He has been undoubtedly the most helpful, inspirational and honest influence on me throughout this journey; again his knowledge and direction is a real help to me.

I do actually have a decent level of common sense but this sometimes disappears with running so its just trying to get the simple things right.

Fluids, fuel, pacing, what time to arrive, toilet visits we covered them all.....and then I still had questions, but he's patient!

That was that; last session with him!

That's the reason I run!!

Well I thought that if I'm in the New Forest where better to do one of my final runs, but it's really hot - great!!

I packed myself off, with a couple of gels water bottle and no hat; how hot could it be?!

I knew the route I was taking was going to be hilly and exposed as Lynn and I drove it the night before.

It was absolutely fantastic to be running through the forest the scenery, the animals, the weather - all good.

My pace was round about the 9:20 mark for the first 5-6miles, then I went into another area called Bolder quite hilly and some fantastic house's, lovely place.

It made a great change to be running in the country instead of London, it also wets my appetite further for fell and countryside adventures after the city marathon, but lets get one challenge completed first!

I met up with some characters along the way, a group of walkers who fancied a race up a steep hill, thankfully did alright against them (quite pleased as they were carrying ruck sacks!) and a lovely man watering his garden who filled up my water bottle and didn't laugh at me, much, when I couldn't get the lid off! (must have swollen up in the heat....)

It doesn't happen many times to me but when it does its quite a brilliant feeling and that is the feeling of running whilst hardly moving. When you actually feel like you are floating along, it must be a similar feeling when a surfer catches the perfect wave, there are so many cliche's I could use but you get the picture. This lasted for a few miles and I just wanted to run and run!

If I enjoy the marathon anywhere near this run I'll be a very happy and lucky man.

In summary, 12.5 miles and a pace of 9:30 - 40 pace - Sunburnt head to-boot!

Not a bad 10k...and the Isle of White

It's a lovely sunny Sunday and I'm staying in Lymington, how refreshing that the sun is out!

Not a long run today, just various quicker spurts in between slower periods. The overall run was about 7 miles it was nice to see different scenery and views across to the Isle of White.

The 10k mark was about 55 minutes so not too bad, wish I could keep that pace up for 26.2 miles - maybe one day!!!

Definite last long run....and close to tears!

The longest training run before D-day, well Big 'M-Day' is more like it!

I'd been looking forward to this run for a long time, I knew the route and it was a case of seeing if I was up to it:

Home down to Limehouse about 8 miles, then even further east towards Canary Warf, pick up the Thames pathway, Embankment, Westminster, Birdcage Walk, St. James (this is the final part of the marathon!), then Hyde Park, couple laps of the Serpentine, Marylebone, Regents Pk, then for some ridiculous reason over the top of Primrose Hill and home - 22.5miles, get in!!

I started off well, felt comfortable but had to slow down as the miles were a bit quick, I knew I'd pay for them later, so I tried to keep round the 9 - 9:30 per mile mark. Listening to Ministry Of Sound - Running Trax.

I've tried putting compilations of my own tunes together to try to think of certain people whilst running, this doesn't have a good effect on me, it's an emotional roller-coaster at the best of times on the long runs, the best thing for me to listen to is mind numbing banging tunes, this just keeps me away from those dark places!!!

I took 6 gels for the run and made sure to keep the water levels were well topped up, there were a few times when I felt hungry, 2 pieces of toast are not enough. I must fuel up better....it's still a steep learning curve for me.

Running these distances on your own is hard work, the next time I train for something like this I think that I'll join a club or get a running / training partner.

Sid has been fantastic, but anything over 15 miles for a 9 year old on his bike is a little too hard, (and possibly Ester Ranson at Child Line would have something to say)...

It's a similar story for me on the long runs, periods of great times and other challenging times, overall though, incredibly rewarding. It's great to take yourself completely out of your comfort zone and this definitely does.

Throughout the run I keep checking to see how each part of my body feels, like a top to bottom MOT, it helps because the smallest adjustment really assists.

My knees gave me problems for a while, these didn't trouble me on this run and of course I was still concerned about the pull in my thigh, thankfully seemed ok.

I completed the run round about the 3:40 - 45 mark, of course I was pleased to have covered the distance.

So, got home had some peanut butter toast and a bath.

Physically didn't feel too bad, all things considered, but after getting out of the bath and reflecting about it, felt really emotional - this is a very alien feeling for me generally!

I was almost close to tears, I had to pull myself together and have a proper word with myself.....bloody hell.....nobody said this was going to be easy but this is madness!!!

Boggy and Sandy runs.....

The weeks running has been great, so far!

After the long run last week I've taken a little time for recovery and only run 3 times.

I woke up on Tuesday morning early, with the sun actually streaming through the window so how could I resist an hour running across the Heath. Still nice and boggy under foot, running past Kenwood House it doesn't get much better!

So I ran around, made it to the top of Parliament Hill and watched London wake up across the city, fantastic.

I then made it back home and made my way to the gym for an hour's session with Andy.

We had a movement and stretching session and he seems quite pleased with my flexibility and movement; I have been working hard since my injury in this area so I was chuffed with his comments.

We discussed the day of the marathon and all the preparation required, his experience and knowledge really, really helps me!

I have a huge amount of respect for everything he's achieved in his career and how he is as a person and communicator.

On Wednesday I had my friend from work staying, Colman, he's training for a 5k so we went for a short run into the Heath. Good fun.

Friday lunchtime run was great, I was in Dorset so was able to do a beach run.

I worked hard, the sand is hard work!

I did 3 sets of quicker pace than I would normally run between 8 & 12 minutes each with a 5 minute run in between, sounds easier than it was......

Naked running, well nearly....22 miles!......

I only have 2 long runs left to do before the marathon so today was one of them!

I was aiming for round about the 22 mark, which just seems ridiculous from a couple of moths ago.

To be able to run with just a t-shirt and vest with no long shorts, it's almost like being naked, great!

So the route: I got the tube to Hammersmith, made my way down to Hyde Pk, down past Buck House weaving past the tourists, through the parks, Whitehall, Westminster and on to Embankment, all the way along the Thames path past Tower Bridge then the Tower. Eventually made it to Limehouse then back towards Victoria Pk, along the canal to Islington, Holloway Rd then a real teaser, Highgate Hill; maybe not the best way to finish!!

It was a bloody long way, but I did feel better than doing the 17 the other day, surprisingly.

There were spells where I felt comfortable, not too many, the first 4 - 5 miles are always taxing I don't know why?

I always run on my own which is obviously very solitary, it's nice to smile at other runners, (not everyone, in a mad staring fashion, you get arrested for that!) you get a little lift and sometimes a nod of acknowledgement, this definitely helps.

I'm really trying to concentrate on my technique attempting to reserve energy and be efficient, all the advice from Andy keeps going through my head. This has been an incredible adventure so far.

I took on lots of water and had 5 gels.

Overall, I'm pleased to have been able to cover the distance in about 3 & 3/4 hours, madness!!!

Really didn't like that, at all........

I should be much happier than I am with today's run, but I didn't enjoy it one little bit!

Prepared well, good stretching, piece of toast and off.

The route, well the suppose route: Home, Kings Cross, into the City down to Tower Bridge, along the Thames Pathway (west), Embankment, Hyde Park, St. Johns Wood, Primrose Hill and home.

Got lost around Commercial Rd, well didn't actual find Commercial Rd!

Ended up running around seeing all the sites Tower 42 and the Gerkin just trying to cut through to Tower Bridge, I eventually made it but by this time completely lost any intended rhythm.

It was good running the route that Sid and I had cycled last Saturday.

When I made it to Hyde Pk. I was feeling quite tired and lethargic again, had my second gel and cracked on. It wasn't cold just the odd spit of rain, quite good running weather, couldn't get it together.

I ploughed on but it was a slog, I was really pleased to get home and get in the bath!

In reflection, and after Andy giving me some experienced words!

1. I didn't get any pain or discomfort in my leg that has been injured.

2. Managed 17 miles under 10 mins pace.

"It's not always going to be fun, there will be good days and bad days. Some days it's just about getting the job done!"

Seems fair, I should be happy with that, ok I am!!!!

(still didn't like it.......)

A tired hilly run....

Lunch time run today, the first try since my injury doing a run with varying speed.

Still cold, still need the layers, winter is hanging on by it's fingernails! Rubbish!!

The run was about 6.5 miles having spirt's for about a minute at a time just to see if the muscle had healed, it didn't feel too bad, I was a little nervous though.

I chose quite a hilly route, but that was my choice I ended up running through the Heath.

I felt lethargic and a breathless for some of the run, I hope I haven't lost too much fitness, my run on Monday seemed ok.

Perhaps it could have been that the day before I swam for 40 minutes, maybe I should have taken it a bit easier. I won't train on Thursday and do 16 on Friday and see how I feel.

An EASY 10 miler....

After a busy weekend I was looking forward to getting back training as it's only weeks to go now and not months!

It's been cold all day so 3 layers still needed but it is bright, the days are getting longer which is fantastic I'm really not a winter person.

So the route: Home, Kings Cross, Regents Canal towards Camden through Regents Pk onto Hyde Pk and then finish in Hammersmith.

My strict instructions from Andy, an EASY 10 miler!

I really enjoyed the run, the first 2 - 4 miles never seem that great but once you get going and get into a rhythm it's all good. I was conscious of my recent injury but thankfully it didn't trouble me, although this is still a constant pace, the injury seemed to arise when I was doing alternating pace. So I need to be aware of that the next time I do a fartlek session.

The pace was round about 9:30 per mile which felt quite comfortable, if I could maintain, or slightly improve on this for 26.2 miles I will be pleased!

In reflection, to be able to do a 10 mile run as an easy workout is a great achievement and I mustn't forget from where I have started. This may be the only marathon or long distance run I do, but I some how doubt it!

Still some hard work left, but lets start enjoying the training again!

Running by the sea and a boys bike ride....

I was in Dorset for the day so I took the opportunity to get a lunchtime run in along the beach at Mudeford. I was still having to take it easy and not run too hard.

The weather and the setting were fantastic it was actually warm! (I'm still dreading that my first marathon will be hot; it'll be a really cruel trick after all of the cold horrible weather through the winter!)

I ran along the beach which was either tarmac or sand, the sand is quite hard going but fun.

It was amazing to be running with the sun out and a bright, almost warm day. I only ran 5 miles (44mins) and the leg felt a little twingy a couple of times, but overall not bad.

It's good to be back running.

Over the weekend Sid came up to London, we did a bike ride as I couldn't run so was taking it easy. We had a brilliant time he is becoming really good and strong on his bike, we see the top of Canary Wharf from loads of places in London so decided to ride to it!

We went along the canal to LimeHouse then to Canada Tower then back along the Thames Pathway, taking in loads of sites on the way.

It was about a 20 mile bike ride and brilliant fun!

More pain and a tube journey home!

The next run was due to be a shorter of a long run only 16 miles! How times have changed....

My programme should now be aimed a little more towards speed after my discussions with Andy; so this run is set out like this: 2 m normal pace, 3 m @ 8:45 pace x 3 over the 16 miles.

Route: The Limehouse basin run along the canal.

Started off on the run feeling really good, quite comfortable and a good pace, the 3 mile quicker pace is different but felt good - reach 5 under 44mins, pleased. Drinking well and taking gels when needed. I reached the half way point @ 1:11 hrs so my goal was to be back by 2:30hrs.

Got through the second quick session fine, it was really windy but nice to be out and enjoying the run! Then when I reached the 10 - 11 mile mark I felt an ache in my right thigh, so, gave it a good stretch and cracked-on, annoyingly this only got worse. I tried to run slower then quicker just trying to run it off, but it was not going, it felt like a dead leg and cramp mixed together - what a lovely combination!

By this point, I'm really pissed off! Running well, enjoying it and a stupid thing like this happens, did the normal things, stopped had a good stretch had some strong words with myself (the normal ones, "what would you do if this was the race, etc??!!" but genuinely no good).

I normally have money with me, but of course today, none!

I made it to the nearest tube, Highbury & Islington and pleaded with the guard to let me through to get a tube with no way to pay, he was good a gold and let me on. Eventually got home, very deflated, obviously. Had a bath and moped around for a bit alternating between peas and sweetcorn to try and bring out any bruising!

Next day got an appointment at Gavin's, my friendly osteopath - diagnosis strained abductor muscle, great - to quote "which is sticking out like a guitar string" - fantastic!

Had some great treatment (if you're into pain being inflicted upon you until someone needs to peal you off of the ceiling!) but at least we know what it is.

More recovery - another session with Gavin on Monday, some acupuncture this time, not quite as sore.

Gavin informs me that I've over done it, slightly!

All strapped up and ready to go.....

After about a million stretches over the past few days to make my "adductor" muscle better it was time for a 20 - 25 min run, just a couple of miles. So I had to strap myself up with a sticky crete bandage and I'm off!

I was a little sheepish as the last time running ended up with a tube journey, it felt alright, I only ran down to the Heath by the running track, then home.

It was all over so quickly!

Thankfully, seems ok, just need to be careful......

Couple of hard gym sessions.....

Had a reasonable rest over the weekend after the 20 mile run, I was quite proud of myself.

So, got to Monday and just went to the gym for a good stretch, pilates, swim and a session on the treadmill.

The session was a 2 mins jog then as fast as I could for 10 mins x 2.

This is quite a hard run but aimed to increase my speed, I enjoyed the hard work!

The day after I had a gym session with Andy, we were trying to work out why my knees had been aching so much into the long runs. We really concentrated movement, landing, posture and the whole flexibility - it was a hard session, but enjoyable.

The next couple of days felt very stiff and I certainly knew I done some hard work!

Made it over the 20 mile mark....

Day off from work, the obvious thing to do a 20 mile run!

Come on!!

Got up early had some breakfast, only a piece of toast and a cup of tea and I'm ready. It was a great morning really frosty but the sun was just peaking through. As previously advised, I only carried 1 water bottle.

It was a bit chilly for the first 10 minutes but then warmed up quite well.

I'd driven the route the day before to get an idea of the distance, it was a circle right around the outside of Yeovil, quite an up an down route of about 10 miles, so I needed to do it twice.

Route: Goldcroft, Combe Street Lane, Thorne Hill, Corpse Road, Lufton past the footy club, Crematorium Rd, Bunford Lane, West Coker Rd, Henford Hill, Nine Springs / Wyndom, Lyde Rd, past my old school and around again!

I quite enjoyed the run, stopping at various places to fill up my water bottle, much easier than carrying it all from the start!

It was hard towards the end my knee's were extremely achey, I must talk with Andy about this. I actually walked a little up the final hill which was slightly disappointing.

Overall though this has been a huge milestone for me, being able to run 20 miles is no mean feat!

It's an achievement and I must take the positive things from it.

My knees are the areas of my body which are hurting the most, the stretching classes may help this along with my core and breathing.

Time 3:25 hours and 20:25 miles.